North America tour blog Part One - A rapturous welcome - November 2014

Ridgefield show
Photo © Walker Burns

The steaming city of New York

We immediately felt welcomed in the States on our arrival at the West Lane Inn, an atmospheric old hotel in Ridgefield, Connecticut, region of beautiful hills and trees. It felt like being invited into someone's home, with the roaring fire and offers of cups of tea and chocolates. Walking between the town and hotel through all the fantastic colours of the autumn leaves was a real joy, helping us all to forget about the jet lag... Then the show was a real blinder, with fantastic crowd reaction. A brilliant start to the tour... Snow started to fall outside, but the vibe was hot and exciting within!

From homely Ridgefield to the Friday afternoon bustle of New York City - what a contrast! But again the audience response was amazing. They held on every note and reacted to every word... At the end of the Town Hall show, I had a good chat with Bruce Willis who'd seen the show and came backstage. He's a great guy, and particularly musical too. It was a real pleasure to meet him.

The following morning Jo and I took a good walk through the streets of Manhattan, as always marvelling at the enormity of the buildings along with the extraordinary amount of steam, forcing its way out of chimneys, vents, roads and rooftops. A beautiful contrast is Central Park, where the sun is able to shine in its full glory. There I found the spot where in 1972 all of us in Genesis had stood for our first publicity photo in New York City.

The Westbury, Long Island and Concord, New Hampshire gigs were great fun too, and we're now about to travel to Boston for the Lynn show on Wednesday...

Bruce Willis with Steve at The Town Hall, New York

Ridgefield show - Rob, Steve & Nick
Photo © Rick Pauline

Ridgefield show - Nad
Photo © Rick Pauline

Steve talking a walk in beautiful Ridgefield

Steve in Central Park, New York

Band about to go on stage at Concord